"Beryl" 4.5" Foden SWB

On arriving home tonight, I found that kit five (rear axle) had been delivered today. Inside was also a letter from Steve explaining why a few items had not made it into the kit. Very professional, thanks Steve. Kit weight = 19kg, Total weight is currently 118kg.

John

A good day in the workshop today. Rear springs are now ready for painting.

John

Chassis is now back together, two coats of primer,undercoat and topcoat. Had a bit too much paint around the bolt holes!

John

Your lorry chassis is starting to look great, it really shows all the hard work you have put into it. It is amasing to see what a coat of paint can do. Good to see another Essex Foden SWB lorry under construction. Maybe when our lorries are completed we can get them together at a steam rally for a photo call.

Bill

Thanks Bill,

I am a bit behind the kit deliveries but getting there slowly!

It would be fantastic to get the two SWB's together when they are finished.

How is yours progressing?

John

Hi John

I am slowly working away on my lorry. I have got an entry in the Owners Photos area under the heading Bill's 6" Foden SWB Lorry. I have got to the stage where the chassis is up on all four wheels and I am now working on the brakes. As I already have a working STW Burrell engine I attend a number of Steam Rallies in the Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk area. If you fancy a drive of a Burrell traction engine let me know and we can arrange to meet up at a rally. My first rally in England this year will be at the Royal Gun Powder Mills, Waltham Abbey.

Bill

Hi Bill,

Your 6" SWB is looking very good. I would love the chance to have a drive of your Burrell unfortunately I am working the weekend of the Royal Gun Powder Mills show, but hopefully we could meet up at another local show later in the season?

John

Kit 7 has just arrived. A very nice set of rear wheels. Total weight is now 143kg.

John

After a few weeks away,I am slowly catching up. Towbar ready for fitting.

John

Towbar and chassis brackets now fitted.

John

After another good day, the front axle is painted and ready for assembly next week and the rear axle box is half painted.

John

coming along nicely John, have you heard anything about the gears for the rear axle that have been delayed?
waiting for them to come to get our chassis rolling finally

Andrew

Thanks Andrew.

Looking at Craigs last production update, I think the diffs should be with us in May.

John

The missing parts from Kit 5 arrived today, adding another 9kg to the total weight so far.

John

Just back from a month in La La Land. Lots of work to catch up on. Pics to follow. Kit 8 arrived today, Steering Assembly and Rear Brake. Kit weight 15kg, total weight so far 167kg.

John

Thanks to Steve and Dean for sorting out my school boy error on the front suspension today. Dean also kindly gave me a tour of the factory. Brilliant to see how our kits are made. 

John

As well as a busy summer at work,I was also lucky enough to be trained up as a train driver at Bressingham in 2013 which kept me busy on my days off. I have spent December slowly catching up on the build. Here are some pics of my progress.

John

Front Axle fitted.

John

Rear Springs being fitted.

John

Front Wheel in Undercoat.

John

Front hub painted and ready. I fitted an extra spacer/washer to get the castle nut to fit better.

John

Front wheels fitted. Waiting to fit the dust cap and wheel cover.

John

Test fitting the rear diff. Now to paint and grease up!

John

Looking good John. Great to see these coming together.

Thanks Rob. I am a few kits behind still but hope to have caught up soon.

John